Strip feeding device



Oct. 19, 1948.

B. T. BICKEL STRIP FEEDING DEVICE Filed oct. 16, 1'942 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 a K m5 :N r ma M 5,.

Oct. 19, 1948. l B. T. BlcKEl. l l l 2,451,467

STRIP FEEDING DEVICE Filed Oct. 16. 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Figi Patented Oct. 19, 1948 STRIP FEEDING DEVICE Bruce T. Biokel, Dayton, Ohio, asslgnor to The Standard Register Co corporation of Ohio mpany, Dayton, Ohio, a

Application october '16, 1942, serial No. 462,275

1s claims.' (c1. 271-24) This invention pertains to strip feeding mechamsm, and more particularly to an electrically energized vibratory actuator for operating a strip feeding device to advance a continuous strip of material through successive measured distances, and arrest it in a prescribed position at the completion of each cycle of operation.

The invention is shown and described as applied to a pin type feeding device of an autographic register, for which purpose it is well adapted. It is to be understood that it is capable of other analogous uses and is not limited to the particular embodiment here shown. In conventional autographic registers and recording apparatus, wherein a continuous record strip is thev advantageous structural features and in- -of construction, the parts and combinations periodically advanced past a recording position by traveling pin type or other forms of feeding means, it is customary to provide for manual actuation thereof by a hand crank, or by a pull cable or slide. In some instances spring reaction is employed. In the application of pin type strip feeding devices to tabulators, addressing machines, and the'like, it is customary to employ rotary power driven transmission gears.

The present motive means'diilers from such prior actuating mechanisms by utilizing a reciprocatory motion transmitting member repetitiously moved in one direction by an electromagnetic force against the retractive iniiuence of a retracting spring, from which motion is transmitted by a pawl and ratchet couple to effect intermittent operation of the strip feeding member through successive short step by step movements.

The object of the invention is to improve the construction as well as the means and mode ofy operation of actuating means for strip feeding mechanisms, whereby such devices may not only be economically manufactured, but will be more efficient in use, automatic in operation, uniform in action, having few operating parts, and be unlikely to get out of repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide an actuating mechanism which will be of compact form and light weight, capable of incorporation in an autographic register cabinet or other apparatus housing ofrelatively small SIZE.

A further object of the invention is to provide a vibratory actuator operable at a high rate of speed, and adapted to rial rapidly by a substantially constant movement through a measured distance.

A further object of the invention is to provide a strip feeding mechanism or the like, having advance a strip of matef thereof, and the mode` of operation or their equivalents, as hereinafter described or illustrated autographic regembodying the present actuating Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view of the pin wheel.'

ratchet, gear and cam forming parts of the mechanism.

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of a modied embodiment of the present actuating mechanism.

Fig. 7 is a detail view.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

Heretofore electric motors have been incorporated directly in autographic registers for operating the strip feeding mechanism. VThe ordinary rotary motor has been found objectionably heavy and too large and bulky to be accommodated in a register housing of small size. The present actuating mechanism is so arranged in a flat relatively thin assembly as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, that it may be disposed along the inner side wall of the register housing or may be disposed on the bottom of the housing beneath the supply compartment of a typical register, wlthypast a recording position by a rotary pin wheel 3l engageable in longitudinally spaced holes in the strip. In the present instance the rotary pin wheel receives a rapid succession of actuating impulses sumcient to advance the pin wheel through oneV complete rotation. record strip a corresponding measured distance during each cycle oi operation. However, the control devices may be arranged to arrest the pin wheel after a partial rotation of vprescribed extent to advance the record strips corresponding.

lesser distance than by a complete rotation of the pin wheel.

To actuate the pin wheel through successive stepby step movements, there is employed a solenoid 4 to the core of which is connected a reciproand thereby advance the fixed on the pin wheel shaft and rotating there with.

A manually depressible plunger 22 having a spring terminal finger 23 serves to dislodge the catory rack bar 5. To the rack bar is connecteda retractile spring 6, against the tension of which the solenoid when energized actuates the rack bar in one direction, and by which the rack bar and solenoid core are retracted after each operation. The rack bar 5 carries, two relatively spaced studs 1 and 8, one of which is preferably adjustable relative to the other.

Projecting between'the studs 1 and 8 is a circuit closer arm 9. pivoted at Ill, and engageable with a contact II \to intermittently close the circuit I2 and thereby energize the solenid. The contact arm 9 is engaged by the stud 1, upon retractive movement of the rack 'bar 5 under iniluence of the. spring 6 to close the circuit by moving the arm 9 into engagement with the contact II against the tension of a retracting spring I3. The closing of the `circuit thereby energizes the solenoid to attract its core and the attached rack bar 5 against the tension of the spring 6. The release of pressure of the Istud 1 upon the contact arm 9 permits the reaction of the spring I3 to retract the contact arm and open the cirv cuit. If for any reason the contact fails to break, the stud 8 upon the moving rack bar will forcibly return the contact arm 9 to open position. Thus, the to and fro movement of the rack bar under alternate inuence of the solenoid and retracting spring opens and closes the contact in the energizing circuit. The contact being broken by attractive influence of the solenoid, and the solenoid thereby deenergized, the spring instantly reacts to close the contact, which again energizes the solenoid to again break the contact. This alternating action occurs rapidly, being impeded only by inertia of the parts.

Intermeshing with the rack bar is a gear wheel I4 which is alternately rotated in opposite directions by the alternation of the rack bar. The gear wheel I4 meshes with a gear pinion I5 detent arm I9 from the stop shoulder 2l, to permit actuation of the cam and pin wheel.

The initial movement of the cam and pin wheel under influence of the spring 6 moves the stop shoulder suiiiciently past the detent I9 that the latter cannot reengage until the rotation is completed, or until a succeeding shoulder of the cam comes to engaging position in the event there are more than one stop shoulder and that a complete cycle of operation is less than a complete rotation of the pin wheel.

If the cam is timed to be engaged by the detent I9 at the beginning of or during'the retractive movement of the rack bar and the effective stroke of the pin wheel driving motion, and hence before the energizing contact is closed, there will then remain stored in the spring B enough energy to complete the movement of the rack bar and close the contact 9-I I preparatory to the next cycle upon subsequent disengagement l yoi the detent I9. If the locking engagement of the detent and stop shoulder occurs at the end 1 of the retractive movement of the rack bar, after the energizing contact has be'enclosed, the solenoid will be energized to retract the rack bar and transmission gears through their idle movements and tension the spring 6, simultaneously enabling opening of the energizing contact 9-,I I. However, the spring will be then held under tension and prevented from imparting an operative stroke to the parts by the engagement ofthe detent I9 with the stop shoulder 20, and the contact willremain open until the detent is disengaged preparatory to the succeeding cycle of operation. Thus, at whatever point in themovement of the rack bar the cycle terminates and the detent engages the stop shoulder, there will be automatically stored in the spring enough loosely journaled on the pin wheel shaft I9.

Attached to the gear pinion I5 for unison alternating rotative motion is a ratchet wheel -I1,

with whlchengages a spring pressed pawl I9 carried by the pin wheel. The gear pinion and ratchet wheel alternate their direction of rotation in union with `the alternation of the gear I4 and the rack bar 5. The partial rotation of the ratchet wheel I1 in one direction is idle, dur'.

ing which the pawl I8 rides idly on the moving ratchet wheel. However, on reverse movement of the ratchet wheel, the engagement of the pawl I8 therewith carries the pin wheel in unienergy to initiate'the succeeding cycle of operation. 4 It is quite feasible to reverse the operation, whereby the effective actuating stroke occurs under iniluence of the solenoid and the retractive action by the spring is entirely idle. In Fig. 6 is shown such modification, wherein are employed the same parts as before described, except that the solenoid, the rack bar and spring are ar- -ranged in reverse'order to eiect operativemovement of the pin wheel in the desired direction under iniiuence of the solenoid. A contact 24 is carried upon the rack bar for intermittent engagement with a corresponding contact 25 upon the depressible detent I9 at the limit of the retractive movement of the rack bar under influence of the spring 6. The contact 25 is normally out of the path of the rack carried contact 24 and is moved, into contacting relation therewith by depression of the plunger 22 to initiate the operating cycle. The depression of the plunger 22 disengages the 'detent arm I9, rout of engagement with the rotarycam 2|. The detent m I9 then rides upon the periphery of the cam, and is so held in depressed position until, at the com= pletion of the prescribed cycle, the detent arin again engages in the notch of the cam, into'which it is elevated by the spring 26. i v The contact 25 being depressedv in fthe pa'tli of the contact 24, it isl engaged thereby-'up "e 'cir retraction of the rack bar by lthef-sp/i; o momentarily reenergize'the solenoid''fl-Icivrer, the entry of the detent arm ls into theiieprssiog the contacts 9| I s in the rotary cam upon completion of the cycle of operation elevates the plunger 22 and with it the contact 24 out of engaging position` It so remains, and the mechanism remains dormant until the succeeding cycle is initiated by manual depression of the plunger 22.

'I'he parts employed in such modified embodiment are the same as initially described, but with the solenoid and spring transposed. The mode oi' operation is likewise identical, except the sequence is reversed. 'I'he reaction of the solenoid affords the actuating impulse to the strip feeding pin wheel, whereas, as before described, the actuating impulse is afforded by the springG co-` incident with the retraction of the rack bar.

In either embodiment, the alternating action of the solenoid and spring will be repetitious. The impelling movement transmitted to the strip -feeding pin'wheel through the pawl and ratchet drive devices -wili consist of a succession of rapid short step by step movements. The movement of the solenoid core in any event is relatively short, and insufficient to impart a full. stroke movement of sufdcient extent to advance the record strip a full form length. The closing of or 24-25 energizes the solenoid, the movement of the core of which instantly opens the contacts which are immediately" closed again by the spring in rapid sequence.

Thus, the movement necessary to complete one full cycle of strip feeding action or a complete rotation oi' the pin wheels necessitates repetitious alternating movement of the rack bar, which becomes in effect a vibratory action under alternating inuence of the solenoid and spring.

. From the above description it will bel apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable,v but which obviously is susceptible of modiilcation in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of part-s without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the Vinvention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not vlimited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction hereinv disclosed comprise the preferred form of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A strip feeding apparatus, wherein a continuous strip of material is progressively advanced through successive substantially equal lengths and arrested atthe end of each feeding operation, including a reciprocatory rack bar, an electromagnetic .device for moving the rack bar in one direction, a retracting springagainst the yielding resistance of which the rack bar is moved under magnetic influence and by which it is moved in the opposite direction upon interruption of the magnetic inuence, an energizmotion therefrom incident to the to and fro reciprocation of the rack bar, a pawl and ratchet couple, the driving member of which receives a to and fro oscillatory motion from the gear and imparts intermittent motion in one direction to the other member of the pawl and ratchet couple and returns idly independently thereof, a strip the detentfrom the stop preparatory to initiation of a succeeding cycle of operation.

2. A recording apparatus, wherein an inten mittently operable strip feeding device is progressively engageable with a continuous record strip fo'r advancing the strip succeeding measlthe reciprocatory actuator is moved by the elec.

ing circuit for the electromagnetic device in- ,Y

cluding a circuit make and break device operable by the rcciprocatory rack bar to close the circuit upon retractive movement of the rack bar under influence of the spring and to open the circuit upon movement of the rack bar under inuence of the electromagnetic device, a gear wheel meshing with the rack bar and receiving alternating ured distances past a recording position, including an. intermittent pawl and "ratchet driving mechanism, a reclprocatory actuator therefor, electromagnet means for .moving .the reciprocatory actuator in one direction, a retractile spring against` the yielding resistance oil which tromagnetic means in the opposite direction, 'an energizing circuitfor the electromagnetic means,

including a circuit make and break device, 4operated by the retraction of the reciprocatory actuator under influence of the spring to close the circuit to energize the electromagnetic means, and operated by the movement of the reciprocatory actuating member in reverse direction under influence of the electromagnetic means to open the circuit, and detent means for arresting the strip feeding operation upon the completion of a predetermined cycle of operation with the circuit closer in open condition and the spring under sufficient tension to close the circuit closer upon disengagement of the detent preparatory to a succeeding cycle of operation.

3. A recording apparatus, wherein a pin type feeding device is progressively engageable in llongitudinally spaced holes in a continuous strip oi record material for advancing the st rip past a recording position, including a reciprocatory actuator for repetitiously operating the pin type feeding device through successive step by step movements, alternating spring and electromagnetic means for effecting repetitions operation of the actuator, an electrical control circuit for the electromagneticrmeans, a make andbreak contact in said circuit intermittently opened upon the movement of the actuator in one direction, and-permitted to close upon movement of the actuator in reverse direction, and means for automatically limiting the repetitious operation thereof to a predetermined cycle necessary to advance a record strip a prescribed distance.

4. A recording apparatus, wherein a strip feeding device is progressively engageable with tious motion to the reciprocatory actuator in one directionto advance the strip feeding ,device and manual means for by step movement. a retracting the yielding resistance of which the reciprocatory actuator is movable under electromagnetic influence, a detent for automatically arresting the strip feeding device when the total of repetitions advancements of the strip has equaled a. predetermined measured distance initiating a succeeding through a step spring against cycle of operation'.

5. A recording apparatus, wherein a continuous strip of material is progressively advanced past a recording position and intermittently arrested with prescribed areas thereof in registry with the recording position, including a strip feedng device, an electric solenoid. an energizing circuit therefor, a circuit make and break device in said circuit, a spring against the tension of which the solenoid is operable. the make and break device being under the combined control of the solenoid and the spring by which it is alternately opened and closed under alternating influence of the solenoid and spring respectively, motion transmitting means for imparting step by step motion to the strip feeding device, and means for automatically limiting the cycle of operation to a predetermined advancement of the record strip. Y

6. A recording apparatus, wherein a continuous strip of material is progressively advanced past a recording position and intermittently arrested with prescribed areas thereof in registry with the recording position, including a strip feeding device, an electromagnetic vibrator, motion transmitting means for imparting repetitions step by step motion fromthe electromagnetic vibrator to the strip feeding device, and automatic means for arresting the cycle of operation when by the total of repetitions step by step mction the strip has been advanced a predetermined distance.

'7. A 'recording apparatus,l wherein a continuous strip of material is progressively advanced past a recording .position and intermittently arrested with prescribed areas thereof in registry with the recording position, including a strip device, a control circuit therefor including a. circuit make and break device, intermittently opened by influence of the electromagnetic power device, a spring for intermittently closing the circuit make and break device to energize the electromagnetic power device, a detent for automatically arresting the cycle of alternate opening and closingof the switch with the switch open and the spring under tension, and motion transmitting means for imparting successive step by step movement to the strip `feeding device.

8. A recording apparatus, wherein a continuous strip of material is progressively advanced past a recording position and intermittently arrested with p escribed areas thereof in registry with the ,r/e ording position, including astrip feeding device, an electromagnetic power device, a control circuit therefor including a circuit make and break device, a spring tensioned by the electromagnetic device, a motion transmitting device actuated through an alternating sequence -by alternate influence of the electromagnetic power device and that of the spring to impart succesive step by step movement to the strip feeding device, anda detent device autofeeding device, an electromagnetic power.

tinuous strip of material is f vanced past a given position and intermittently arrested with prescribed portions thereof in Ameans for imparting repetitions to and fro motion thereto, a pawl and ratchet `mechanism for imparting successive movements .of the actuator matically arresting the step by step movement when the total thereof equals a predetermined distance of advancement of the continuous strip. l 9. A recording apparatus, wherein a con in one direction to the strip feeding device, de-

tent means i'or arresting the cycle' of operation when a continuing succession of to' and fro motions of the actuator has advanced the strip a predetermined distance, and manually controlled means for initiating a succeeding succession of\\ continuing to and fro motions of the actuator.

i0. A recording apparatus, wherein a con-l tinous strip of material is progressively advanced past a given position. including a strip feeding device, an electromagnetic member and a spring disposed in opposed relation, an electric energizing circuit for the electromagnetic member including a circuit make and break device under the combined control of the electromagnetic member and the spring, and opened to deenergize the\-electrcmagnetic member by the operation -the'reof and closed to reenergize the electromagnetic member by reaction of the spring tenlsioned bythe operation of the electromagnetic member, motion transmittin-g means for imparting successive step by step movement to the'strip feeding device in synchronism with the alternate energization of the electromagnetic member and the spring, automatic detent means operable upon completion of a predetermined cycle of operation for arresting the strip feeding device, and

manual means for initiating a succeeding operative cycle.

11. A recording apparatus wherein a continuous strip of material is advanced through a step by step movement, including a spring, an electromagnetic member intermittently energized to tension the spring and thereupon deenergized the reaction of the tensioned spring being. utilized to reenergize the electromagnetic member in continuous alternating sequence, a strip feeding device, means for imparting to the strip feeding device successive strip -feeding impulses by the intermittent energization of one of said members, and means automatically terminating the strip feeding impulses lat the completion of a predetermined cycle of operation and tensioning the spring by which sufficient power is temporarily stored in the spring to initiate the succeeding cycle of operation upon release thereof.

` 12. A recording apparatus.I wherein a continuous record strip is intermittently advanced past a recording position and arrested at the end of each advancement with a prescribed area thereof in record receiving position, a strip feeding device, an electrically energized vibratory motor, a pawl and ratchet mechanism' fory imparting repetitions step by step movement from the vibratory motor to the strip feeding device, a detent` for automatically arresting the strip feeding device at the completion of a predetermined number of step by step movements, and manual means for initiating a succeeding cycle of operation.

13. A recording apparatus, wherein a con-v tinuous record strip is intermittently advanced past a recording position and arrested at the end of each advancement with a prescribed area thereof in record receiving position, a strip feeding device, an electrically energized vibratory progressively ad- 9 motor, motion transmitting means for transmitting successive unidirectional actuating impulses from the motor to the strip feeding device, and 'detent means for automatically limiting the operation of the strip feeding device to a predetermined number of successive impulses.

14. A strip feeding apparatus, wherein a continuous record strip is V intermittently ad vanced predetermined distances and arrested with a prescribed area thereof in registry With a given position, including a traveling strip engaging device, a vibratory actuator therefor, motion transmitting means imparting a succession oi' repetitions step by step movements to the strip engaging device, arresting means for automatically terminating the action of theA vibratory actuator and motion transmitting means at the end of a predetermined series of step by step movements by which the strip is advanced a predetermined distance, and initiating means for setting the vibratory actuator in operation.

15. A .strip feeding apparatus, wherein a continuous record strip is intermittently advanced predetermined distances and arrested with a prescribed area thereof in registry with a given position, including a traveling strip engaging de- REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 431,784 vScott July 8, 1890 1,192,171 Dixon July 25, 1916 1,268,377 Mortimer June 4, 1918 1,378,889 Mortimer May 24, 1921 2,127,704 Sheppard et al. Aug. 23, 1938 2,160,916 Sherman et al. June 6, 1939 2,193,759

Birr Mar. 12, 1940 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,451,467. October 19, 1948.

BRUCE T. BICKEL It is hereby certified that errors appear in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 2, line 18, after the Word plan insert view; column 7, lines 34 and 38, claim 6, for repetitions read repetz'tious;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 15th day of March, A. D. 1949.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents. 

